Departing McCall tips Scots to reach Russia

Stuart McCall last night backed Gordon Strachan to guide Scotland to the 2018 World Cup Finals after confirming he is stepping down from his backroom staff. McCall returned to club management earlier this week by finalising an agreement for a second spell in charge of Bradford City. as expected, the fact that English league One continues during international breaks means it is impossible for McCall to retain his place as No 3 in the Scotland set-up. But the 52-year-old former rangers and Motherwell manager — appointed by Strachan in 2013 — expressed pride in his involvement and signed off with an optimistic message for the tartan army. ‘Firstly, I would like to thank Gordon, (assistant) Mark (McGhee), the playing staff and the backroom team for making my time as assistant national coach so enjoyable,’ said McCall. ‘While I am as disappointed as any fan that we did not qualify for the Euros, I remain convinced we have enough quality, determination and experience to reach the World Cup Finals in russia in 2018. ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my country and I would like to thank the Scottish Fa for that opportunity, as well as my previous clubs, Motherwell and rangers, for enabling me to assist Gordon and Mark. ‘I’ve never hidden my desire to return to club management and I am delighted to be back at Bradford, a club dear to my heart. ‘the programme of fixtures means I can no longer continue to work with Scotland, but I spoke to Gordon when the opportunity arose and he was terrific, fully understood the situation and wished me the best of luck. ‘I will miss working with the players and staff and will join the thousands of fans supporting the team when the qualifiers begin in September.’ Strachan, who will now have to decide how to fill the gap in his staff before the opening qualifier against Malta, thanked McCall for his efforts over the past three years. ‘I am delighted for Stuart and I know he will do an excellent job at Bradford,’ he said. ‘He was a really valuable member of the team and will be missed. Not only was he an excellent coach, he was popular with the squad and backroom staff and had a passion and infectious enthusiasm about playing his part for his country.’